The Incredible Hulk #140
Published and © by Marvel, June 1971
Title: “The Brute That Shouted Love at the Heart of the Atom!”
Synopsis: Trapped in a subatomic world, the Hulk unexpectedly finds acceptance and happiness – until Psyklop comes calling again!
Writer (plot): Harlan Ellison
Writer (script): Roy Thomas
Artist (layouts): Herb Trimpe
Artist: Sam Grainger
Review: While the first half of this Harlan Ellison two-parter was an overstuffed affair (see review of The Avengers #88), Incredible Hulk #140 succeeds by going small – literally. In a subatomic world, Hulk finds a degree of peace and acceptance, along with the potential for love. Happenstance still plays a huge role in driving the story, but the tighter scale of this second half gives this outing a fable-like quality. Roy Thomas’ insistence on fan service is distracting – working the titles of Ellison stories into the dialogue feels especially forced – but Herb Trimpe’s excellent layouts earn this issue its plus.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “The Ellison touch is evident in the dizzying shifts of perspective at the beginning, as the Hulk shrinks between worlds, and in the poignant ending.” – Phil Mateer, Comics Buyer’s Guide Presents Hulk, 2003 … “Worth reading.” – Adrian P. Snowdon, FantaCo’s Chronicle’s Series Annual #1, 1983
Cool factor: Jarella’s world provides an interesting prototype for similar Hulk storylines in the future.
Notable: First appearance of Jarella. … The “Green Skin’s Grab-Bag” letters page includes an LoC from future DC “Answer Man” Bob Rozakis.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 1/- British variant of this issue, as well as a 1994 J.C. Penney reprint. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a National Diamond variant.
Character quotable: “One thing Hulk knows for sure – he is still – the HULK!” – Hulk, sure of himself at any size
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 9, 2026.
